The Irish public is being reminded not to feed the deer in Dublin's Phoenix Park.
Visitors to the park are being advised to stay at least 50 metres away from the wild deer which have been living there since 1662.
People are also being discouraged from feeding the wild animals as it causes malnourishment and stress in the population.
Terry Moore, Phoenix Park Deer Keeper, issued the reminder to the public on Newstalk's Lunchtime Live programme.
He said that there has been a noticeable increase in visitors feeding the deer during the pandemic given the large numbers that now frequent the amenity.
"Feeding the deer is a big problem," Terry said.
In pre-pandemic times, it was mostly an issue with tourists who were not aware of the rules in the park.
They would try and get close-up selfies or feed the deer carrots or bread, Terry explained.
"They weren't aware of the problems it causes to the deer or the danger it puts themselves in," he said.
The influx of people visiting the location in the past 12 months has replaced the tourists in mistakenly approaching or feeding the deer.
Deer in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNewsDeer have a high-fibre diet, they mainly graze and don't need to eat carrots or other supplements that are in fact high in carbohydrates and don't agree with them.
This can lead to problems with ingestion, digestion, and nutrients not being efficiently absorbed.
"Deer need to be left alone, just admire them from 50 metres," Terry said.
"When people disturb them, they disturb their natural habitat
"What deer do, they chew, they graze, they rest, they digest, so when you interfere with that, their digestive system suffers.
Terry is trying to spread the message that not only is this interference bad for the animals, but it's also dangerous for the public.
"Sometimes people know they shouldn't feed them but they still come in and do it," he said.
The deer are also getting used to having people around who feed them, meaning they will be attracted to visitors carrying backpacks.
"A toddler could be surrounded by four or five big bucks and all it takes is one fast movement and the deer gets startled God forbid something bad might happen," Terry said.
He is advising that 50 metres of a distance from the deer is safe to take photos and to respect that it's the animals' park and habitat.
